A cruise is one of the easiest vacations to book.
It’s easy in that everything can be taken care of at one time — the flight, the cruise, and a week or more of pleasure.
Although cruises receive highly favorable ratings from passengers, care should be given in planning one. Choosing the wrong ship for your interests could take the pleasure away. The best advice is to talk to those who have taken a cruise or to a knowledgeable travel agent. Don’t let price be the sole factor. Choose a ship that fits your personality. Discounts are readily available on many lines, sometimes making some “more expensive” cruises less costly than some that advertise a lower price.
Where can I go?
Just about anywhere you desire. Although the Caribbean is still the No. 1 destination, there are cruises to just about every port in the world.
Alaska is one of the most popular destinations in summer, with a mighty armada sailing along its coastline and a variety of itineraries to choose from.
Europe is also becoming very popular, with ships sailing from the tip of Africa to the Arctic Circle in Norway.
Depending upon the season, there are cruises to South America, the Antarctic, Africa, the Far East, and the Pacific.
Consider also cruising on one of the great rivers of Europe or the U.S.
Will I be bored?
Hardly. There is something for just about everyone on a ship: nightly entertainment, dancing, shopping, a spa, games, a health club, jogging and walking tracks, pools, contests, shore excursions — and the list goes on.
If you are concerned, the best bet is to book one of the megaships; these have the widest range of activities.
There’s too much food!
Although cruise ships have an overabundance of food available — some even have 24-hour restaurants — no one forces you to eat anything you don’t want.
What about eating times?
A lot depends on the ship. Some luxury cruises offer one-seating dining rooms that allow passengers to choose when they wish to eat, just like at a fancy restaurant. Princess has 24-hour dining on some ships, so you can sit down when you please. Some lines also will serve full meals in your stateroom. Another option on some ships is an alternative dining room, serving Italian or Asian meals, for example, and you can choose your dining time. In general, most cruise lines offer two seatings for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, for breakfast and lunch, there usually is a “lido” or casual dining area where you can dine at your convenience. You will not go hungry on a cruise.
Will I get seasick?
Probably not. Modern cruise ships are quite stable, but the ocean still rolls, and there are times, particularly during a storm, when the motion could cause some uneasiness. Medication is available onboard ships, but if you have concerns, see your doctor for prescription medication.
What about the kids?
Children will have a ball. Most major lines have an active children’s program with special rooms for the young set. Before booking a cruise, ask about the children’s programs and hours, as there could be conflicts with your activities. Some lines have better programs than others, so do compare.
Which cabins are best?
Generally speaking, the higher up on the ship a stateroom is, the higher the price of the room. A lot depends on your needs. Many ships now offer staterooms with private balconies; if you don’t need one of these, you could save a lot. Inside cabins, those without an outside window, are the lowest-priced rooms. Many believe that you will spend little time in your stateroom, so why pay for features you won’t use? Do consider convenience. How far is your room from most ship activities? Also, is there a public room above or below you that could prove noisy?
Most ship lines also offer staterooms for the disabled, and some are beginning to feature family suites.
A cruise can be a great value when you consider that the price includes your transportation, all meals, entertainment, activities, accommodations, and more. Prices begin around $500 for a three- or four-day cruise. Seven-day cruises begin around $1,000, with an average price of about $2,000 a person. Also, ask if air fare and port charges are included; these can up the bill considerably. Most lines that do not include air fare have low-cost, add-on air fares available.
Also, look for discounts, because most lines offer these throughout the year.
Aren’t cruises for old folks?
According to the Cruise Lines International Association, 34 percent of cruisers are under the age of 40, and the average cruise age is 49. The fastest-growing sector of the cruise population is the 25-39 age group. Twenty-five percent of cruisers are single, and 15 percent take their children along. Generally, the longer the cruise, the older the crowd aboard.
How long is a cruise?
Cruises can range from three to more than 100 days on a world cruise. Three- or four-day trips are a good introduction to the cruise experience. Most of the shorter cruises begin in Florida. Most cruises are for one week. Cruises also begin generally on Saturdays or Sundays.
What if I get sick?
All cruise ships have medical facilities on board to handle just about any emergency. However, the services of a doctor or nurse on a ship are an extra charge.
Should I buy insurance?
It’s a good idea. Because most people book a cruise well in advance of the sailing, insurance will protect your investment in case you have to cancel the sailing at the last minute.
What about tipping?
Tipping is not included in the price on most cruises. Holland America has a no-tipping-required policy, leaving it up to passengers if they wish to provide gratuities to the staff. The only people receiving tips on ships are the cabin steward (about $3.50 a day a person), the waiter (the same), the assistant waiter (about $1.50-$2 a day per person), and the maitre’d (perhaps $5 per person for the week). Wine stewards and bar waiters have tips included in the bill. You can be sure that the ship will post “guidelines” for tipping in your stateroom at some point.
What about smaller ships?
Although the new megaliners have received a lot of press, there are many smaller ships available. Many offer a far more casual cruise experience. There are cruises carrying anywhere from 50 to almost 3,000 passengers. And for a totally different experience, there are sailing vessels–some where passengers are invited to help the crew..
Do I need a tux?
No. Although cruise lines feature one or two “formal” nights on a seven-day cruise, a business suit is perfectly acceptable. It is also possible to rent formal wear on some ships.
How do I book a cruise?
Almost all cruises must be booked through a travel agent. In choosing, ask if the agent has been on a cruise or on the ship you are interested in. Many agencies now specialize in cruises and are familiar with the products available.
What do singles pay?
Few ships have single-occupancy staterooms. However, some lines are better than others on the singles rates. Others can charge up to 200 percent of the double occupancy rate for having a room to yourself. There are often special deals to keep the cost of solo travel lower. Some lines will help “match” singles so that they can share a room to get the lower rates.
